Mental Health Support Specialist

JOB LOCATION: This position is located at the Watsontown Children's Center located within the Warrior Run School District region. The anticipated start date is August 6, 2024.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP: The Mental Health Support Specialist will be responsible to report to the Partial Hospitalization Clinical Coordinator and in their absence the Special Education Program Supervisor.

JOB DEFINITION: The Mental Health Support Specialist is employed to assist the program staff in monitoring and intervening to address student behavioral needs. The person in this position will be a member of the program support team, which includes a social worker, emotional support teacher and para-educator, Partial Hospitalization Clinical Coordinator and the Special Education Program Supervisor. The Mental Health Support Specialist is responsible for the efficient performance of assigned activities, including those described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direction of the teacher and social worker, work with pupils during instructional and non-instruction periods; accompany pupils to or from their home, community-based training trips, the school lunch room or bus transportation as assigned.

• Develop lesson plans in consultation with the Social Worker and facilitate social skills instruction.

• Administer arrival and dismissal procedures as identified in the student handbook.

• Assist in the Functional Behavior Assessment process.

• Actively participates as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team to evaluate and update comprehensive treatment plans for assigned clients.

• Utilize behavioral and therapeutic intervention strategies listed in treatment plan for each client.

• Complete Daily Point sheet pertaining to each student, including assessing and documenting mood and response to interventions.

• Complete Daily Progress note pertaining to each student in the absence of the Social Worker.

• Support the clinical interventions deemed appropriate by the team for students.

• Monitor student progress based on individualized student goals and program norms and expectations.

• Maintain current data to support student progress monitoring and student progress in the level system.

• Provide compiled student data and graphs for progress reports and meetings.

• Provide compiled student data for each 20-day treatment plan review, including analyzing and interpreting data and strategizing the formulation of new goals or goal revisions in collaboration with the Social Worker.

• Lead the implementation and daily monitoring of each students' Positive Behavior Support Plan.

• Responsible for attendance recording for billing purposes.

• Monitor and identify the student's behavior needs within the program environment

• Perform other instructional and non-instructional activities as directed and supervised by the teacher or social worker in charge.

• Upon certification, participate in any physical management of student's behavior through the use of certified restraint, i.e. Safe Crisis Management.

• Assist teacher and social worker with facilitation of community-based socialization and recreational opportunities.

• Under the direction and oversight of the teacher or social worker, work with students in a one-to-one capacity related to the individual student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Individual Service Plan (ISP) and behavioral goals.

• Never assume in loco parentis (acting or done in place of the parent).

• Work effectively as a member of the educational team, including participating in the Tier 2 monthly meetings

• Complete paperwork and collect data as required by program guidelines.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as assigned by clinical coordinator and/or program supervisor.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• A Bachelor's degree in a recognized related Mental Health discipline preferred; or a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of two (2) years' experience in social services environment will be considered.

• Evidence of mature and conscientious adult behavior, a serious interest in and solicitude for the general welfare of the exceptional child is expected.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationship with staff.

• Ability to be flexible in adapting to various student schedules and the ability to adapt to various student behavioral needs are required.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize the task based on project deadlines. And must be able to type accurately and maintain a high level of productivity.

• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).

• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Attend appropriate trainings and conferences as determined by the Clinical Coordinator.

• Achieve annual training and certification in Safe Crisis Management and restraint techniques required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to physically restrain students in emotional stress.

• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift approximately 25 lbs. and to position students.

• Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.

• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.

• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc).

• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.

• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.

• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate throughout the day.

• Mental demands: Steady responses to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations.

• Demonstrates independent judgement, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.

• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a full time, non-exempt position working 7.5 hours per day, 200-day school year schedule and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned.

• Must have transportation to work location(s).

• Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

• Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

• All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.

• The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.

• The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.